Cagayan town sees tourism boom after CNN citation

By Charlie Lagasca

SANTA ANA, Cagayan – The local government of this northern town is optimistic that its tourism industry would boom following the selection of its island as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches.  

Mayor Darwin Tobias said that their tourism was already thriving even before the US-based Cable News Network (CNN) chose the Palaui Island as among the 100 most beautiful islands and beaches in the world. 

CNN, Tobias said, has put their once obscure fishing town into the world’s tourism map, luring local and foreign tourists to flock to their place.

Ranked 10th on the CNN list, Palaui Island, a 7,415-hectare national government-protected marine area, was cited for its white sand, volcanic rocks and blue green water. 

It is where the popular US reality show “Survivor” 27th season was being filmed since May 19.

Joan Taguba, president of the Santa Ana Hotel and Resort Owners Association (Sahara), said they expect the continued arrival of tourists following the CNN’s citation.

Lying along the South China Sea-Pacific Ocean coast, Santa Ana, about three-hour ride from Tuguegarao City, is also the base of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Freeport.